Kenny Pickett. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers' T.J. Watt reveals when he knew Kenny Pickett was 'the guy'

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/3/23

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett had an uneven rookie season, but Pittsburgh star linebacker T.J. Watt believes he's a franchise quarterback. He can pinpoint when he knew: late in the fourth quarter of a 16-13 win in Week 17 at Baltimore.

"[The Steelers] were driving and we were probably not even at midfield yet," Watt said on CBS Sports Radio. "We just knew that he was going to drive them down and score a touchdown. So, I think that's one of the moments that I look back on and say Kenny is the guy."

TJ Watt on when he realized Kenny Pickett would be the next great Steelers franchise QB. Watch. pic.twitter.com/w4lBfGdzaY
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) February 3, 2023

Pickett led the offense 80 yards down the field to score the winning touchdown -- a 10-yard pass to Najee Harris -- with just 56 seconds left.

The go-ahead touchdown was one of Pickett's best plays all season.

Kenny Pickett Throws Clutch Touchdown Vs Ravens #NFL #Steelers #kennypickett #najeeharris pic.twitter.com/5O8tL6sfHI
— The Roundtable Sports Podcast (@RoundTSportsPod) January 5, 2023

Pickett finished the season with 2,641 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. Although he threw eight interceptions in his first five games, he threw just one in the final eight.

The future is looking bright for the 24-year-old after leading the Steelers from 2-6 to 9-8. And having an endorsement from the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a statement in itself.

"I look forward to playing with him for many years," Watt said.

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